Lifestyle: keeping cool in a heat wave

Self-tutoring about surviving and working in the heat: the tutor begins.

When you do almost everything by, and for, yourself, you might not work on a schedule. Rather, you do Task A “when there’s time.” Such is often my situation.

Yesterday, as I understand, was the peak of the heat wave we’ve been enduring on the west coast: the humidex was 40, or above, for much of the day. Perhaps yesterday wasn’t, from most people’s point of view, the best day for yard chores.

However, yesterday I “had time” to do those yard chores: they had to be done. Yet, even moping about the house in the morning, I felt dopey and weak because it was so hot. How would I accomplish the yard work?

Many years ago I recall someone mentioning that there are large veins in the back of your neck. Therefore, applying cooling there can effectively cool the entire body.

I soaked a t-shirt in cold water, wrung it out, and tied it around my neck. In the morning, with the humidex around 36, it worked perfectly: I soon felt better outside working than I had in the house. I was able to concentrate on what I was doing and, after awhile, forgot about the heat.

By around 1pm, with the humidex at 40, the wet t-shirt around the neck still helped, but my condition was worsening: I was starting to feel dopey and lethargic. However, I was able to work until 2pm, and complete the chores I’d hoped to.

I had a water fight with the kids (the kids are 16 and 18) in the afternoon, which I lost, of course. However, it renewed my energy – I couldn’t believe how much better I felt afterwards. I’d estimate the positive effects of the water fight lasted at least three hours.

Stay cool and safe, everyone:)